Abstract
The prevention or alleviation of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is a challenge for contemporary health services. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the prevention or alleviation of AD by introducing an appropriate carnitine-rich diet, dietary carnitine supplements and the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, which contains elements of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. L-carnitine (LC) plays a crucial role in the energetic metabolism of the cell. A properly balanced diet contains a substantial amount of LC as well as essential amino acids and microelements taking part in endogenous carnitine synthesis. In healthy people, carnitine biosynthesis is sufficient to prevent the symptoms of carnitine deficiency. In persons with dysfunction of mitochondria, e.g., with AD connected with extensive degeneration of the brain structures, there are often serious disturbances in the functioning of the whole organism. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, cereals, nuts, olive oil, and seeds as the major source of fats, moderate consumption of fish and poultry, low to moderate consumption of dairy products and alcohol, and low intake of red and processed meat. The introduction of foodstuffs rich in carnitine and the MIND diet or carnitine supplementation of the AD patients may improve their functioning in everyday life.
Highlights
Recent progress in the medical sciences have significantly prolonged human life and the incidence of old age diseases
The results described above suggest that serum ALC and other acyl-L-carnitine levels decrease along a continuum from healthy subjects (HS) to subjective memory complaints (SMC) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects, up to patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [13,14,16]
≤1 glass serving/day both red and white wine may benefit the brain; red wine is recommended because a lot of research has focused on the red wine compound resveratrol non-alcoholic beer regular beer consumption is not recommended for some risk-group populations source: carbohydrates, protein/amino acids, minerals, vitamins (B1–B6, folic acid), and other compounds, such as polyphenols beer a source of vitamins A, D, E, and K; polyunsaturated fatty acids; use fat for long frying at a high smoke point
Summary
Recent progress in the medical sciences have significantly prolonged human life and the incidence of old age diseases. A progressive decrease in ALC and other acyl-carnitine serum levels in healthy subjects (HS) through to subjective memory complaints (SMC) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) up to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were reported. The results described above suggest that serum ALC and other acyl-L-carnitine levels decrease along a continuum from HS to SMC and MCI subjects, up to patients with AD [13,14,16]. The possible mechanisms of ALC action in AD may involve facilitating the rebuilding of cell membranes, as well as improving synaptic function, enhancing cholinergic activity, restoring the brain energy supply, protecting against toxins, and exerting neurotrophic effects via stimulating NGF and the acetylation of proteins [24]. The following dietary advice for lowering the risk of AD and inhibiting cognitive decline, as well as decreasing all-cause mortality in AD patients, is suggested: a high level of consumption of fats from fish, vegetable oils, non-starchy vegetables, and low glycemic index fruit; a diet low in foods with added sugars; and a moderate wine or beer intake should be encouraged [26]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
